• Establishing the new Portland Housing Advisory Commission (PHAC) – a citizen-led group that oversees the bureau's work.

• Advocating for and leading the effort to create 2,000 units of "supportive housing" – deeply affordable housing combined with intensive services for people struggling with mental illness and addiction.

• Working with community partners to preserve hundreds of at-risk affordable apartments for older adults and people with disabilities, called the 11x13 campaign.

• Establishing the City's first severe weather emergency plan for the homeless, with the goal of saving lives during winter storms.

• Working to protect the Bull Run Watershed and to keep our drinking water clean, safe, and reliable.

• Helping renters and homeowners who need a little extra help paying their utility bill through the Low-Income Discount program.

• Preparing for a major earthquake – the "Big One" – by burying our reservoirs and planning for a new, safe pipe under the Willamette River.

• Investing in "green infrastructure" – like bioswales – to harness the power of nature and save ratepayers money, and working with community partners like Friends of Trees to expand our urban tree canopy.

• Co-leading the campaign against the proposed hostile takeover of our public utilities by big polluters.

Justice For All

Nick was a civil rights lawyer prior to his service on the Council. As Commissioner, he is working to make Portland a more welcoming city for all.

• Supporting the creation of the Office of Equity and Human Rights, developing equity plans for his bureaus, and fostering relationships with the Native American community through a dedicated tribal liaison.

• Affirming our status as a sanctuary city, and supporting funding for "Portlanders United Against Hate."

• Challenging President Trump's decision to rescind DACA, and co-sponsoring a Council resolution in support of our Dreamers.

• Voting to "Ban the Box" – because everyone deserves a second chance.

• Serving as Council sponsor of the annual Steve Lowenstein award, honoring social justice heroes in our community.

• Supporting the Campaign for Equal Justice and advocating for additional funding for legal services for the poor.

Safe Streets

Nick walks to work and regularly rides his bike. He is passionate about Vision Zero and expanding our active transportation network.

• Advocating for Vision Zero and new safety investments for East Portland's most dangerous streets.

• Working with the Bureau of Environmental Services and its partners at the Portland Bureau of Transportation and Venture Portland to reduce the impact of construction projects on neighborhood business districts.

• Expanding our active transportation network through the Bike Master Plan and Bikeshare, and working with community partners to provide access to off-road cycling at Gateway Green.

• Supporting new ways to improve safety for all road users through programs like "Better Naito."

Community Policing

Nick is working with his Council colleagues to reform the Police Bureau, strengthen community policing, and ensure that our police officers treat everyone with fairness and respect.

• Working with the community to implement the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on officer use-of-force, and to improve interactions with people experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Supporting a new collective bargaining agreement with the Portland Police Association to strengthen recruitment and retention, and partnering with Mayor Wheeler to eliminate the “48-Hour Rule.”

• Requesting the first-ever performance audit of the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

• Advocating for investments in small grants that prioritize local, emerging, and diverse artists.

• Preserving Portland culture and heritage by working with community partners to save the Portland Jazz Festival.

Kids and Schools

Nick's wife Patricia teaches history at Portland State University. Their son is a sophomore in Portland Public Schools. Nick and his family understand the importance of a good public education to our children's future.